March 10, 1999  Vol. 21, No. 10


All aboard!
Parking lot shuttle service begins March 15


For many people, the days of long hikes to and from yellow parking lots are about to end, as KUMC gets set to launch a free, twice-daily Satellite Shuttle Service between outlying parking lots and the medical center campus.
Beginning March 15, employees and students can hop on a 15 passenger van, which will traverse a regularly scheduled route each weekday between 6:30 and 9 a.m., and again from 3:30 to 6 p.m. The van was purchased by the Parking and Landscape Services Department with funds from employee parking permit revenues.
"We're pleased to be able to offer this much needed service to KUMC employees and students," said Rick Johnson, director major division for the KU Medical Center Police.
    Continued on page 3; see Shuttle
Shuttle Service (cont. from page 1)

Johnson added that shuttle service will be limited to the three yellow lots. Employees who need a ride to their vehicles outside shuttle operating hours may still request an escort by calling ext. 5030.

Morning Route:
Stop    Time (a.m.)
Yellow 97    6:30    6:48    7:06     7:25    7:44    8:03     8:21    8:39
Yellow 98    6:35    6:53    7:11     7:30    7:49    8:08     8:26    8:44
Yellow 95    6:38    6:56    7:14     7:33    7:52    8:11     8:29    8:47
Orr Major/
39th    6:43    7:01    7:19     7:38    7:57    8:16     8:34    8:53
Main Entry/
KU Hospital     6:45    7:03    7:22     7:41    8:00    8:18     8:36    8:55

Afternoon Route:
Stop    Time (p.m.)
Main Entry/
KU Hospital    3:30    3:45    4:00     4:15    4:30    4:45     5:00    5:15    5:30     5:45
Yellow 97    3:35    3:50    4:05     4:20    4:35    4:50     5:05    5:20    5:35     5:50
Yellow 98    3:38    3:53    4:08     4:23    4:38    4:53     5:08    5:23    5:38     5:53
Yellow 95    3:43    3:58    4:13     4:28    4:43    4:58     5:13    5:28    5:43     5:58
Main Entry/
KU Hospital    3:45    4:00    4:15     4:30    4:45    5:00     5:15    5:30    5:45     6:00

For a complete Shuttle Service map, visit Pulse at: http://www.kumc.edu/Pulse/parking/parkmap.html


Ooops!
New publication delayed

The March 3 issue of Topics included a front-page announcement that KU Medical Center would give birth to a new weekly publication to replace Topics, beginning this week. Although the birth of the new publication will take place, the announcement of its delivery date was, as it turns out, a bit
premature.
Because of technical problems and associated production issues, the new publication will not make its way into the world until March 18.


Fabian named one of best doctors by
Good Housekeeping

Carol Fabian, MD, professor of medicine and medical director of the KU Cancer Center, has been selected by Good Housekeeping magazine as one of the top cancer specialists for women in America.

wpe1.jpg (19285 bytes)
Carol Fabian, MD, right, and Jennifer Klemp, MPH, senior coordinator, clinical oncology, make plans for a poster presentation at an upcoming American Society of Preventive Oncology meeting. Photo by Leslie Champlin.

The physicians were identified through nominations from 280 department chairs and section chiefs in surgical, medical and radiation oncology at major medical centers across the country. Nominators were asked to respond to the question, "In your opinion, which doctors provide the most expert treatment and are the leading clinicians for lung, breast and colon cancer in women?" The respondents were not allowed to nominate physicians from their own institutions. Good Housekeeping then culled the 318 physicians cited most often.
Dr. Fabian has been instrumental in research into chemo-prevention of breast cancer, including the use of Tamixofen and difluoromethylorinithine (DFMO). She's also renowned for her work in breast cancer treatment breakthroughs such as the use of angiogenesis inhibitors.


Center on Aging takes research findings from the 'bench' to the 'bedside'
From the Executive Vice Chancellor...

One very important role an academic medical center plays is taking research findings from the "bench" to the "bedside." This type of research is often called "translational." This week, I'd like to share with you how our Center on Aging staff is translating basic science research into clinical procedures and applications. I'd like to thank Randy Nudo, MD, associate director of research, for providing these examples.
The Center on Aging brings the best scientific talent and resources from multiple research disciplines to address significant questions. The Center promotes translational research in these ways:
The Center recruits both basic and clinical scientists to work on similar research problems to enhance the health and well-being of older adults. These professions include nurses, physical therapists, a demographer, bio-engineer, social worker, and public health specialists. If an additional expert, such as a pharmacist, is needed to consult on a patient, that's just what happens.
Studies focus on specific research questions (e.g., stroke rehabilitation) of interest to both basic and clinical scientists. The two groups interact substantially, and studies are designed so that results of the basic science research are directly applicable to clinical problems. For example, interventions for stroke rehabilitation in animal models are nearly identical to human interventions in current use in clinical practice.
Major research efforts such as the Claude D. Pepper Center grant are also orchestrated to maximize the translational potential of basic and clinical activities. Our Center on Aging is on the cutting edge of such translational activities. In fact, scientific directors at the National Institute on Aging often request information about the Pepper Center's translational activities.
Our Center on Aging also conducts weekly research seminars on wide-ranging topics related to aging. These seminars, attended by both clinicians and basic scientists, alternate the focus among behavioral and social sciences, biologic sciences, and clinical and health services studies. This forum allows a rich flow of information across disciplines.
A major effort of our Center is to train the next generation of scientists to use an interdisciplinary approach in their research and clinical activities. For example, the Center has submitted a training grant to train postdoctoral fellows in the neural bases of motor dysfunction and rehabilitation. This integrated, interdisciplinary program uses both clinical and basic science models to cross-fertilize the research enterprises of these traditionally disparate areas.
Finally, our Center is continually fostering dialogues among investigators and the industry (especially the pharmaceutical industry) to develop translational research.
As you can see, our Center on Aging is truly interdisciplinary in every sense of the word. This fosters a synergy focused on improving their patients' quality of life. That is why I say, our Center on Aging is doing it right!


Around KUMC...

Medical ethics conference March 10
Allen Greiner, MD, who holds a joint appointment in the Departments of History and Philosophy of Medicine and Family Medicine, will be the featured speaker March 10 during a conference on medical ethics. Sponsored by the Department of Family Medicine and the Graduate Medical Education Office, the conference will be 2-3:30 p.m., in Sudler Auditorium. All staff physicians, fellows, and residents are encouraged to attend. For information, contact Charlene Plotycia, ext. 1959, or Cathy Hightower, ext. 7226.

Alisa Lange among top speakers on diversity
KU Medical Center's diversity program was recognized March 10 when Alisa Lange joined a panel of speakers at a day-long seminar sponsored by Project Equality, Inc., called "Developing a Quality Diversity Process." Lange, diversity coordinator for KUMC, was invited to speak because KU Medical Center is considered to have a “best practice” program to encourage and enhance workplace diversity. She was joined by national leaders in diversity, including those from Motorola and Hallmark.

Sign up March 12 for 1999 Corporate Challenge
KUMC staff may sign up for the 1999 Kansas City Corporate Challenge on Friday, March 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Wyandotte Room. The Corporate Challenge, which will be in June, is an annual city wide competition among organizations and businesses. Employees may sign up to participate in any of several sporting events, including swimming, track, bicycle racing, bowling, darts, golf and more.

Intercultural film series focuses on 'Cultural Allies'
Have you ever felt discomfort at hearing an ethnic, racial or gender-specific joke, or when people exclude co-workers who are different? If so, you are one of many "Cultural Allies," the topic of the March Intercultural Film Series in Sudler Auditorium March 11. The series will feature three film vignettes followed by informal discussions, that illustrate issues relevant to Cultural Allies. Refreshments will be served at 4:40 p.m. and the film begins at 5 p.m. For more information, contact Alisa Lange, ext. 5148, or <alange>.
coming
Up

Thursday, March 11:
•    Research Seminar, "Research in Quest of the Question: Applying Qualitative Methods to Practical Problems" by Anne D. Walling, MD, noon-1 p.m., G567, KU Hospital.
•    Alzheimer's Disease Caregiver's Workshop, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Cottonwood Room, Delp Cafeteria.
•    Breast Cancer Support Group, refreshments served at 5 p.m., program 5:30-7 p.m., Wahl Hall West, RSVP, ext. 7750.
•    Manic Depressive/Depression Support Group, 7 p.m., Cottonwood Room, Delp Cafeteria.

Friday, March 12:
•    Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Grand Rounds, "Rational Treatments of Panic Disorder with Antidepressant Medications," 10:30 a.m., Clendening Amphitheater.

Tuesday, March 16:
•    Linen Awareness Day, 6 a.m.-7 p.m., outside Main Cafeteria.
•    Kansas Cancer Institute Research Round Table, "Somatostatin Analogs-Effects on Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis," noon, Lied Auditorium.
•    Cognitive Therapy Addiction Treatment, 1-2:30 p.m., Family Medicine Clinic.
•    Center on Aging Lecture Series, "The Role of Attention in Motor Learning Following Stroke," 4-5 p.m., Clendening Amphitheater.
•    Burn Patient Family Support Group, 6-7 p.m., Burn Center Waiting Room.

Wednesday, March 17:
•    KUMC Interfaith meeting, noon-1 p.m., Room 3041 Wescoe.
•    Anxiety Support Group, 4 p.m., Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic, $10 fee. Call Edward Hunter, MD, at 588-1300 before attending your first meeting.


Jayhawk Angel 'Change for Change' campaign clarified

A recent fund-raising effort by the Jayhawk Angel Network called "Change for Change" has inadvertently caused some confusion among KUMC employees. The student organization had planned to raise funds to purchase children's furniture for hospital waiting areas, through donations of loose change from KUMC employees and students. KU Hospital, however, is already in the process of purchasing furniture for the renovation of all waiting rooms. For this reason, "Change for Change" and any funds already collected will be redirected to other projects.
"We very much appreciate the efforts of the Jayhawk Angels and other groups who wish to raise funds for the hospital," said Marla Bernard, assistant hospital administrator, operational improvement. "We simply ask that people check with us first to avoid any misunderstandings or unnecessary duplication of efforts."
All furniture, toys and other items placed in patient care or waiting areas at KU Hospital are purchased by the hospital from commercial vendors, and must meet strict guidelines for construction, durability and safety. Any KUMC groups wishing to mount a fund-raising campaign for hospital improvements should contact the office of Public Relations and Marketing.


Faculty in the News

Thaller named 1998 Pfizer scholar
Timothy Thaller, MD, chief resident, urology, was recently named the 1998 Pfizer Scholars in Urology Award recipient of KU Medical Center. Dr. Thaller was chosen for the award by Winston K. Mebust, MD, professor of urologic surgery, who cited Dr. Thaller's work to advance the science of urology and his dedication to improved patient care. Pfizer, Inc., which sponsors the award, will impart a $2,000 grant to the KUMC Urology Department in Dr. Thaller's name.

O'Connell, Catley present at tobacco research meeting
Kathleen A. O'Connell, RN, PhD, professor at KU School of Nursing, and Delwyn Catley, School of Nursing, presented "Absentminded Lapses During Smoking Cessation" at the March 6 Society for Research in Nicotine and Tobacco Meeting in San Diego, Calif.

Belsito elected president of dermatitis society
Don Belsito, MD, professor of dermatology, was recently elected president of the American Contact Dermatitis Society. The election augments his position as president of the North American Contact Dermatitis Group, a multi-centered international group of clinic researchers in contact/occupational dermatology. As a result of his membership within this group, KU has one of the world's best facilities for the diagnosis and management of contact dermatitis and many other occupationally-related dermatitides.

Frazier's work receives international coverage
Noise exposure during pregnancy and its potential effects on fetal hearing was the focus of a Feb. 26 talk given by Linda Frazier, MD, MPH, associate professor of preventive medicine on the Wichita campus, during the National Hearing Conservation Association meeting. Frazier's talk, "Evidence-based Management of Pregnant Workers Exposed to Noise," was picked up by the international press and demonstrated KU School of Medicine's research role in what has become an international issue.
The London Times reported, "Linda Frazier, of the University of Kansas, said that human studies had shown that the loss of hearing among children of women who worked in noisy places was enough to make it difficult for them to hear teachers at school and possibly cause learning difficulties."


Classifieds

For Sale
Refrigerator, late model Kenmore, off-white, cross-top freezer, 20 cu.ft. capacity, $150. Kenmore gas dryer, large capacity deluxe model, white, $100. Dehumidifier, 35 pints/24 hr. capacity, $85. Call 432-2602.

Rust-colored couch and love seat, sturdy, OK cond., $100 takes both. Console piano, $250. Call 931-0836.

JC Penney frost-free refrigerator with icemaker, 17.2 cu.ft., in good condition, $200. Sears heavy-duty portable washer, exc. condition. $200. Call 468-4037.

Queen sleeper sofa and loveseat, good cond., $300 OBO. 13-inch color TV, $50. Call 492-3406 after 6 p.m.

Automotive
1985 Toyota Cressida, slate gray, good cond., 120K miles, one-owner, complete maint. record, all new tires/muffler/brakes/battery, 5-spd, V-6, classic. $3,500. Call 831-4388 after 6 p.m.

1992 Honda Civic DX, 5-spd., white, good cond., $4,500. Call 685-2962.

1994 Jeep Cherokee Sport, 4-dr, 4WD, power locks/windows/steering, A/C, cruise, AM/FM cassette, tilt wheel, keyless remote entry, just under 75K miles, new battery and tires, one owner, $10,600. Call 816-781-2436.

1994 Geo Prizm, 5-spd, red, exc. cond., ABS, airbags, new tires, 76K miles, $4,999 OBO.
Call 415-8768.

1994 Buick Regal Grand Sport, exc. cond., 69K miles, all power incl. sunroof, gray leather interior, black exterior, recent brake job, 15K miles on tires, A/C, $9,000. Call 373-4212 evenings.

Pets
Free to good home(s) due to owner's illness: three loveable cats, two black w/white accents, ages 5 and 3, one gray, long-haired, age 3. Call 831-3488.

Housing
For sale: 1993 Skyline mobile home, 2BR, 2BA, stove, fireplace, asking $8,000. Call 422-1068 before 6 p.m. and 441-3016 after 6 p.m.

Room for rent: 2 BR duplex apt. near Crown Center, central air/heat, free laundry, furnished or unfurnished BR, $300 plus water, all other utilities included and internet access. Call Pete, 561-9426, or e-mail <skidoc56@hotmail.com>.

House for sale: Liberty, Mo., area, atrium tri-level home, 3 BR, 2 BA, FP, deck, walkout basement, two-car garage, oak cabinets and floor in kitchen w/white appliances, Liberty Schools, KCMO address, one year old, $144,950. Call 415-3779.

Wanted
Would like to locate other people from KU Hospital interested or involved in adoption process. Call 677-5922.

Studies and Clinical Trials
Adults for arthritis research safety study
Adults aged 18 and older with painful arthritis are sought for a six- to 12-month clinical trial of a new medication. Eligible participants must have documented diagnosis of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of at least three months duration. Participants receive free medication, free lab studies and small travel stipend for eight study visits. For more information, call Nadine Colbert at ext. 3929 by March 19.

Infant cognition study
Infants 3 months to 3 years with and without Downs syndrome to participate in research study of early cognitive development and reaching. Session includes recording brainwaves (EEG) and behavior. Lasts about one hour. Contact Jennifer Hill Karrer, ext. 5956.


Topics Information
Topics is the employee publication of the University of Kansas Medical Center.
It is published weekly by the office of Public Relations and Marketing. The deadline for submitting news briefs for consideration is noon on the Wednesday before they are to appear. For longer articles or features, contact the editor in advance.
Send story ideas to Leslie Champlin, acting editor, G114 Hospital, or e-mail: lchampli@ kumc.edu or call ext. 1602

Topics ad policy
Send or bring your ad to Topics, G114 KU Hospital, or fax to ext. 1225, or e-mail: lchampli@kumc.edu by noon Wednesday of the week before it is to run.
Ads run free of charge for employees, students and volunteers. For-sale ads are limited to three items. All ads must include the advertiser’s name and work extension (or medical student box number) for verification.
Only home phone numbers --- no pager numbers or KUMC extensions --- will be published. No ads for commercial services or pets for sale will be accepted. Ads will not be taken by telephone. Only one phone number per ad.
Ads may be a held a week if space is limited.


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